Baťa Skyscraper | Zlin

Baťa Skyscraper (Baťova Výšina) – Detailed Overview

The Baťa Skyscraper (Czech: Baťova Výšina) is an iconic modernist building located in Zlín, Czech Republic. Completed in 1938, it was designed by the renowned architect Oldřich Mózer and is one of the most significant landmarks in Zlín. Originally built as the headquarters for the Bata Shoe Company, it remains a symbol of the city's industrial heritage and modernist architecture.

Location

• City: Zlín, Zlín Region, Czech Republic
• Address: Baťova Výšina, 760 01 Zlín, Czech Republic
• Coordinates: 49.2241° N, 17.6639° E
• The Baťa Skyscraper stands near the T. G. Masaryk Square, making it easily accessible for visitors to explore both landmarks together.

Historical Background

Construction:

• The Baťa Skyscraper was built in the late 1930s to serve as the administrative center of Bata Shoe Company (known as Baťa). Tomáš Baťa, the founder of the company, was instrumental in shaping Zlín into an industrial hub, and this skyscraper epitomizes his vision for a modern and functional city.
• At 77 meters tall (10 stories), the Baťa Skyscraper was once the tallest building in Czechoslovakia. It remains one of the tallest buildings in Zlín and one of the most important examples of functionalist architecture in the country.

Purpose and Design:

• The Baťa Skyscraper was designed by Oldřich Mózer as a functional office building with modernist features. The building was intended not just to house the Bata company’s administrative offices, but also to represent the forward-thinking, industrial philosophy of the Bata corporation.
• The functionalism style emphasizes simplicity, practicality, and a focus on the use of modern materials such as concrete and glass. The design was highly innovative for its time, with an emphasis on open spaces and verticality.

Architectural Features

Modernist and Functionalist Style:

• The skyscraper was designed with a modernist approach, utilizing clean lines, minimal ornamentation, and the latest construction techniques. It features a steel-frame structure and large glass windows that allow for an abundance of natural light.
• The flat roof and rectangular shape are typical characteristics of functionalism. The building’s utilitarian design was a response to the growing industrial needs of the time and aimed to streamline office operations.

Vertical Design:

• Standing at 77 meters, the Baťa Skyscraper's design is deliberately vertical, a common trait of the modernist era, emphasizing a connection between the modern world and the future. This height made it not only a landmark in Zlín but also a symbol of the growing importance of industrialization in the Czech lands.

Elevators and Use of Space:

• The building features modern elevators, which were groundbreaking at the time of construction. The building is designed with open-plan office spaces, which was also ahead of its time, creating a more efficient working environment.
• The structure is highly functional, with a focus on efficiency in the use of space, allowing for a large number of employees to work in a relatively compact area.

Baťa’s Vision

Symbol of Modernity:

• The Baťa Skyscraper was not only a symbol of the Bata Shoe Company’s business empire but also of Tomáš Baťa’s larger vision for Zlín. Baťa was determined to create a city that represented modernity, efficiency, and the growing industrial power of Czechoslovakia.
• Baťa’s innovative approach to urban planning and architecture was a response to the changing world during the interwar period, where industrial advancements and modern technologies were shaping society.

Social and Cultural Hub:

• The building was a central element of the Bata city, where workers and employees lived in company-owned housing, used the company’s facilities, and were even involved in cultural activities organized by the company. The Baťa Skyscraper symbolized the unity of work and life in this modern industrial community.

Function Today

Current Use:

• Today, the Baťa Skyscraper is still used for various business purposes. Its upper floors offer stunning views of the city and the surrounding landscape, while the lower floors house offices and exhibitions related to Zlín’s industrial heritage and the Bata Shoe Company.
• Tourism has become an important part of the building's function, as it is an iconic part of Zlín's industrial past.

Observation Deck:

• Visitors can access the observation deck on the top floor, offering a panoramic view of Zlín and the surrounding countryside. From the top, it is possible to see the city’s industrial landscape as well as natural features like the Beskidy Mountains in the distance.

Exhibitions and Cultural Significance:

• The Baťa Skyscraper is home to exhibitions dedicated to Tomáš Baťa and the history of the Bata Shoe Company. These exhibitions provide insights into Zlín’s industrial past and the company’s impact on the local and international economy.
• The building is also a part of Zlín’s industrial heritage trail, attracting architecture and history enthusiasts from all over the world.

Baťa Skyscraper and the City of Zlín

Icon of Zlín’s Legacy:

• The Baťa Skyscraper is deeply linked to Zlín's industrial legacy. It remains a powerful reminder of the city’s growth under Tomáš Baťa’s leadership and the transformation from a small town into a major industrial center.
• The skyscraper is often used as a symbol of the city in marketing materials and events, emphasizing the modernity and forward-thinking ethos of Zlín’s past.

Cultural and Architectural Heritage:

• The building is also a key part of the Zlín Functionalist heritage. As one of the earliest examples of high-rise functionalist architecture, it has become a listed landmark in Czech architecture, recognized for its historical and architectural significance.

Visiting the Baťa Skyscraper

• Accessibility: The Baťa Skyscraper is open to the public, with guided tours available for those who wish to learn more about the building’s history and significance.
• Nearby Attractions:
  • T. G. Masaryk Square: A short walk from the skyscraper, this square is the heart of the city and another major historical site.
  • Zlín City Centre: Explore the surrounding areas for more modernist architecture and shops, as well as the legacy of the Bata Shoe Company.

Conclusion

The Baťa Skyscraper is not just a remarkable building from an architectural perspective; it is a symbol of Zlín’s evolution and the vision of Tomáš Baťa. As one of the most important landmarks in the city, the skyscraper continues to stand as a testament to the innovative spirit of the interwar period and the industrial might of Czechoslovakia. It remains a cultural and historical hub, offering both stunning views and a deep connection to Zlín's fascinating past.